Class 6A Quarter Final Playoffs "Playmakers"

Last Friday night was a clash between two undefeated teams in the highly competitive 6A division of the great state of Missouri. The Nixa Eagles have been on an absolute tear this year and remain undefeated going into the quarterfinals. On the other side of the show-me-state the Helias Crusaders made the leap from 5A to 6A in 2025, and have done far more than hold their own, while also holding an impressive record of 11-0. By the end of that Friday night Nixa came up on top 45-28. The score doesn't tell the whole story; it was a battle from start to finish.    Adam Mcknight was on fire basically the whole entire night.   McKnight put up a stat line that most football players dream of in a playoff game. McKnight rushed for 92 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 184 yards and two more touchdowns. At times, McKnight was slow to get up after taking a couple of hard hits, but his best attribute has to be the kid's toughness and competitive edge.   McKnight did what he needed to do and propelled his team to the state semi-finals.     It's not often that I cover kickers in articles, but after last Friday night, I've made an exception. Jonah Fields walked on the Helias 35-yard line with 7:25 seconds remaining and put a 52-yard field goal right through the uprights.   I have to admit I was skeptical about coach Perry's decision to attempt that long of a field goal at that point of the game. Fields proved me wrong, and it shows the confidence they have in the young man.     [player_tooltip player_id='1681864' first='Jordan' last='Sykes'] has played like a top ten Wideout all year.   Sykes played his heart out last Friday night. He provided a spark to this Crusaders offense when it seemed like all the lights were going to turn off on their 2025 football season.   He really impressed me against the Nixa defensive backs, mainly because that is a very good secondary over there. Sykes was able to beat the defense in the slot and out wide. His routes are among the best I've seen thus far in 2025. He can stop on a dime and accelerate at a lightning-fast pace. He made a very lasting impression on me.      Weaver did all he could plus more in the state quarter finals.   Weaver was 21-44 passing for 302 yards, and one touchdown through the air, and 20 rushes for 183 yards and one more touchdown on the ground.   When the Crusaders were in a tough spot and trailed most of the game by a couple possessions, Weaver started to turn it on. Helias owned the third quarter and became well within reach of mounting a comeback. Mainly because of the play of the young Austin Weaver.   Weaver comes equipped with a live arm and the legs to get himself out of trouble when the play is breaking down. Colleges need to be on the lookout for Weaver during this offseason.     It's hard to miss this big target standing at 6'5 230 LBS.   The Illinois state commit had himself a pretty good game last Friday. Wood provides a nice security blanket for Quarterback Austin Weaver; he has a nice pair of hands on him, and he can really snatch the ball out of the air.   When the Crusaders virtually had to put the ball in the air, the whole second half of the game Wood was up for the task. He's a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties because of his freakish length and agility. Illinois state has themselves a gem in this guy.

Last Friday night was a clash between two undefeated teams in the highly competitive 6A division of the great state of Missouri. The Nixa Eagles have been on an absolute tear this year and remain undefeated going into the quarterfinals. On the other side of the show-me-state the Helias Crusaders made the leap from 5A to 6A in 2025, and have done far more than hold their own, while also holding an impressive record of 11-0. By the end of that Friday night Nixa came up on top 45-28. The score doesn't tell the whole story; it was a battle from start to finish.